Our fall sport seasons have all wrapped up and basketball, wrestling and sideline cheer will be starting in the next few weeks. Here are a few highlights from the five high school sports that were in action the past several months. The volleyball team found their stride and won a first- round region game against Flandreau then were bested by a solid Madison squad. Our cross country boys and girls finished with two runners qualifying for the state tournament. Competition cheer finished strong at the state contest with a fourth place performance. On the gridiron our boys posted another impressive year falling just one game short of the dome. And the highlight of the fall, was the state title captured by our boys golf team. The Quarriers had many great moments along with a few rough patches this fall, but overall we can be proud of the way our athletes represented our school and our community.

In my first Quarrier Corner article a few months back I shared some thoughts about what I felt it meant to be a Quarrier and to have Quarrier Pride. Throughout this past fall, I’m proud to say I’ve regularly seen these qualities in our athletes, coaches, parents and fans. As I’ve watched our teams, along with our opponents, this season I have been hit with another crucial characteristic of being a true Quarrier – team work. This idea of team work, however, might be a little different. Let’s start with a question: When was the last time you did something for someone else? Oh, all the time, right? I washed my son’s nasty football jersey. I blocked for our wingback. I watched film until 2 a.m. for our team. I bought a Quarrier football card. Wait. This “something” you did, did it benefit you in any way? Maybe pride. Maybe some recognition. Maybe your team won. Maybe a few bucks off at Pizza Ranch. Well, until you sacrifice your time, your personal wants and your pride for the advancement of someone else, I’m not sure you fully understand what a Quarrier teammate truly is.
It might be idealistic, but here is what I think it means to be a Quarrier teammate. Parents, Quarrier teamwork is not about what your child is getting from the program (accolades, letters, scholarships, playing time) but rather what he or she is learning to give (commitment, encouragement, heart, work ethic). Coaches, Quarrier teamwork means that all your time, energy and passion is not really about your internal drive to win but rather your internal drive to change the lives of your athletes. Athletes, Quarrier teamwork means you would not choose to be a star on an average team but rather a reserve on a state champ. Fans, Quarrier teamwork means you are not just at games to be entertained but rather you are going to make tonight’s crowd the best these kids have ever had.

We will continue to defy today’s attitude of “what’s in it for me” and show our Quarrier attitude of “wait until you see what I do for you.” This is our team. This is who we are.